Tag Archives: Whitney Houston

The answer is Paul Baressi – former Private Investigator and tabloid broker.

Here’s a little info on Baressi:

During the Michael Jackson allegations of 1993; Baressi was asked by his former girlfriend Stella Marcroft and her partner Phillippe Lemarque to help them sell a story alleging that they had witnessed Michael Jackson molesting Macaulay Culkin. Baressi managed to get them a $150,000 offer from the National Enquirer, but the couple was so greedy they went over his head to lawyer Arnold Kessler, who persuaded them to dismiss the offer Baressi had managed to get them and promised them a much bigger offer. Baressi was not happy; and secretly taped them to tell their story once again.

Armed with the “tape”, he then approached The Globe: “I called the editor at The Globe and I said, ‘I have a tape, I’m on the way down town to hand it to the District Attorney.’ And his words were, ‘let us come with you.’ And then I knew I had him. The next thought in my mind was I’m going to ask for $30,000. You always ask for twice as much as what you hope to get. He put me on hold, and within less than a minute he came back and he said ‘well, we can’t give you thirty, we’ll give you ten.’ I said ‘make if fifteen,’ he said ‘you have a deal.'” Reporter: “Could you see the headlines coming? Barresi: “Oh yeah, sure, and I could see that money coming too.

He arranged a $15,000 deal with Globe but greed and impatience took over resulting in him contacting Kevin Smith of Splash News Service; resulting in the story being featured in the Daily Mirror, for $24,000. This meant that eventually when Globe was finally interested in the story; they would not pay him because of the Mirror scoop. It is alleged that Baressi threatened Kevin Smith in order to gain $10,000. The end result was that Baressi made $30,000 on the whole story.

In addition; Baressi was regularly hired by Anthony Pellicano to “gain dirt” on any celebrity client sex stories. Pellicano was a former PI to Michael Jackson. Pellicano has also sold various MJ “stories” to the tabloids.

Pellicano is now serving a 15 year sentence in jail for conspiracy to commit wiretapping. He was actually indicted on 150 counts including racketeering, conspiracy, wiretapping, witness tampering, identity theft and the destruction of evidence.

So where is the link?

Diane Dimond is a known supporter of Wade Robson. Radar Online are known supporters of Wade Robson. And Paul Baressi? Well he’s a greedy tabloid broker who only cares about money!

I think we can conclude here that these stories are absolutely coming from the Wade Robson camp in an attempt to manipulate public opinion in preparation for the civil suit in 8 months’ time. The upshot? These stories are tame compared with what will come out over the course of the next 8 months. They will get worse. And it also means that WE have only 8 MONTHS to act and stop these stories! We must take action NOW!

Support the AdLLaw Initiative by signing the global petition and sharing with family and friends.

Did you know that ALL of these people have something in common? And not just the fact that they are now deceased.All of these celebrities have suffered slander and defamation at the hands of the tabloid media after their death.

Elvis Presley – Posted by the National Enquirer that he had 7 secret love-children and was secretly gay.

Whitney Houston – the lies posted about Whitney are well documented. One disgusting article in the National Enquirer talks about “secret lesbian romps.”

David Bowie – Days after Bowie’s tragic death from cancer; tabloids posted that he died as a result of AIDS.

Robin Williams – A year after his tragic death; a tabloid posted that he was murdered and his suicide note was a proven fake.

Prince – days after his death and BEFORE any full autopsy result was released; numerous tabloids posted that he died of HIV/Aids.

Michael Jackson – the lies continue with regard to “evidence” he molested children. Recently; The Daily Mail posted a lie that “detectives were convinced he molested his nephews.”

NOBODY is immune from tabloid lies. And it effects EVERYONE; not just the deceased. Their families; friends and fans all have to read these disgusting and cruel lies. However; there is nothing they can do to stop it. They currently don’t have any legal case to sue. But if the AdLLaw Initiative is passed; then this will change and in turn; the lies will stop. WE HAVE THE POWER TO MAKE THAT HAPPEN!

Please spread the world today! Sign the petition and share it far and wide and let’s change the defamation laws TOGETHER!

The other day I received a communication that moved me to write this column. The communication wondered why celebrities are prominently mentioned in AdLLaw’s mission to protect the deceased from defamation. Actually, it went beyond wondering why celebrities are included; it went so far as to suggest that celebrities should be excluded. The recommendation was that our focus should be on the average citizen with whom the masses can identify.

AdLLaw uses many people as examples of those who are being defamed after they have passed on. Celebrity examples include Betty Ford, Michael Jackson, Steve Jobs, Whitney Houston, and Amy Winehouse. We also have in our materials records of a young woman who was killed in a terrible car accident whose family endured seeing vile and horrific information being spread on the Internet about their relative.

We have information on U.S. soldiers whose funerals were picketed by a religious group that used the funerals as a platform to spread their bigotry and hate. The group picketing the funerals of fallen soldiers is not aiming their hate at the individual; however, their actions are mentioned in our materials because they bring hardship to the families of the soldiers in the form of added grief and suffering. One father did try to sue for damages, citing, among other things, the intentional infliction of emotional distress. See more here:

Above are listed just a few examples of the defamation of those who are deceased. They range from the most high-profile celebrities to soldiers fighting for our country to anonymous citizens living their private lives. Defamation can touch anyone, and while there is truth in the fact that most people do not know a celebrity and cannot relate to their lifestyles, we can all identify who they are. For that reason, when they are defamed we are more aware and more attention is given.

Several years ago. Dale Earnhardt, a NASCAR icon, was killed in a shocking accident while racing at Daytona (Florida). The accident happened on live television during the race broadcast. Millions of people saw it play out in their living rooms. Dale Earnhardt was a name so synonymous with the sport that almost everyone could identify him. There was a tremendous amount of coverage of his life and death, and the public outpouring of grief and emotion was incredible. My local radio station had a discussion about the event, and people called in commenting on how wrong it was to feel grief for this man who was killed when the focus of our sorrow should be on our troops. I don’t normally call in to talk shows; however, in this instance I did. I was one of those who saw this horrible accident happen. I explained that when people can put a face to a name, and when they see a tragedy happen in real time, it affects them on a different level. People could identify with what happened. It did not mean there was no sorrow for our fallen troops, but the masses do not have faces to put with a soldier who has died, and they don’t see war played out live in their living rooms. That was why there was so much public grief for Mr. Earnhardt: people could relate.

I use the Dale Earnhardt example to explain why celebrities are a part of the AdLLaw campaign. People are aware of the stories of celebrities and may be outraged at the treatment a celebrity receives in the media. One of the problems with the media is the assumption that celebrities cease to be human once they are famous. A celebrity is still a person…they have lives to live; they have feelings; they have loved ones; they deal with the normal issues of being a human being. They deserve the same respect that any human should receive. That is why they are included in AdLLaw’s mission. Not because they are famous, but because they are human.

People are more aware of the treatment Michael Jackson received in the media than they are of the treatment of Nicole Catsouras, the young woman killed in the car accident. The grief endured by the family of Ms. Catsouras is no less important than the grief endured by the family of Mr. Jackson; it is simply that the masses are more aware of Mr. Jackson’s plight.

The goal of AdLLaw is to change the law nationally so that a family can sue for damages when their deceased loved one is defamed. While living, a defamed person can seek relief for themselves in a court of law for slander and libel. However, at the point of death, current law considers the person to no longer exist. That leaves the gates wide open for anyone to maliciously report untrue “information” about the deceased without fear of repercussions. AdLLaw believes that a person lives on in his or her legacy and reputation. When a person, famous or anonymous, is defamed after they are gone, their loved ones should have a way to seek relief in a court of law.

Perhaps when AdLLaw is successful in its mission, we will be one step closer to becoming a kinder and gentler society. Maybe respect and honor will be restored in our media. There might be a return to integrity in reporting and to thought put into words before they are spoken or written — not just in the media, but by each individual also.

The following video sums up why celebrities are included in this initiative. We are all people; we are all a part of the human race. Regardless of our social status, race, sexual orientation, nationality, political affiliation, or religious belief, we are all people — with the same right to dignity and respect after we have passed on. Watch the video here: http://video.foxnews.com/v/3934406/huckabees-opinion/?#sp=show-clips

It is not so much a loophole as a conscious decision by lawmakers to avoid doing the right thing. In order for it to be a legal loophole there would first have to be a law. The absence of this law provides immoral profit for some, a perverse entertainment for many and pain for others.

Michael Jackson continues to be one of the hardest working persons in the entertainment business. The US Courts and Government are in agreement he is enough of a person to continue to produce material; be a part of that material; go on tour; be sued; taxed; hire contractors and employees through representation. But he is no longer a person when it comes to getting justice for slander against him.

Michael Jackson is not alone when it comes to this. It happens to persons known the world over and those only known in their hometown. All these people are equally important.

If a decedent can be sued for slander which may have happened while they were alive, have the case against them handled by family or estate managers then why does it not work in reverse?

The biggest argument against this proposed law is it will violate our First Amendment rights.

That is misleading.

If making a law which makes it illegal to slander the deceased violates US First Amendment Rights then there would be no slander laws, not even for the living.

It’s ABOUT “Protecting and Preserving” the Legacies of these people. ARE YOU ANGRY ENOUGH TO SUPPORT the Anti-Defamation Legacy Law Initiative by asking your two U.S. Senators and the President of the United States, to author and pass an “Anti-Defamation Legacy Law? These people are worth the effort. #AdLLawInitiative

There has been an orchestrated plan to destroy Michael Jackson’s reputation since 1993, and it has NOT STOPPED even in death. WHEN WILL IT STOP? It won’t unless we ask our two U.S. Senators and the President of the United States to support the #AdLLawInitiative by authoring and passing a law; to give the family members of the deceased a law to sue those who defame their deceased relatives.

The beautiful photos are NICE. The projects are BEAUTIFUL and well deserved, but they won’t mean a thing if the general public, globally, continue to believe that Michael Jackson was a child molester; that Trayvon Martin’s death was a good thing because he was a gangster; that former First Lady Betty Ford was a whore; that God hated Steve Jobs, Marine Lance Corporal Matthew Snyder, Army Spc. Carrie L. French and Whitney Houston was a “crack-head whore” as well as some other horrific things many of the deceased has been named since their death.

Did you know that Bill SB 131 to Extend Statute of Limitations – Child Molestation, is a new law set to go into effect as scheduled on Jan. 1, 2014, if the CA Governor does not veto it? Source

Did you know that SB 131 gives alleged as well as real victims a causal connection window of five years as opposed to the existing three-year period to file a lawsuit after the date of discovery by a mental health professional that their psychological trauma is indeed linked to their childhood sexual abuse? Bill Analysis

Did you know that Wade Robson filed his claim on May 1, 2013 and has been granted a court date in June of 2014? Source

Robson’s lawyer also mentions a psychiatrist who treated him — the doctor is a leader in the field of child psychology. NO OFFENSE TOWARD THOSE WHO ARE REAL VICTIMS, BUT IS THIS REALLY A COINCIDENT? CA SB 131 was amended on May 2, 2013; one day after Wade Robson filed his claim and the bill is amended to read what Wade Robson needed to file a late claim.

This bill should be enforced for those who sincerely need it but not for anyone to file bogus claims. This is really a tender situation for those who are REAL victims. It is very difficult to attack a bill that should have been enforced a long time ago, but really Wade Robson. I support this bill but I do NOT support those who use something worthy for financial gain because they can. This bill is intended to support REAL victims. Conveniently, Mr. Robson did NOT remember being molested as he was the “Star” witness for Michael Jackson’s defense at the 2005 trial.

Many of us are well acquainted with being molested, as children and adults, and we support the amending of this law and the victims, but we cannot support those who use something intended for real victims to benefit those who use it for financial gain.

There is no “Magic Wand” to make this disappear and it won’t go away because YOU choose to ignore it. WE have to come TOGETHER to make this happen or at least make a mighty loud noise about it. We must support the victims of abuse but, at the same time, oppose those who will use this law to defame someone who is NOT here to defend himself.

The Anti-Defamation Legacy Law Advocates (AdLLaw) is a non-profit, charitable and advocacy organization which wants to have a U.S. law passed allowing for family members of defamed deceased people to sue for civil damages.

Even the non-famous can be targets which mean that we and our loved ones are at risk.

The law protects the likeness and image of a person dead or alive, and the same should hold true for their reputation.

“When are the dead not dead? The ancient peoples of the Andes believed we keep the dead “alive” as long as we continue to remember them.” (1)We of AdLLaw say: “The life and legacy of the deceased lie in the memory of the living.”

Most Latin countries celebrate the Day of the Dead. Day of the Dead or Dia de los Muertos festivals are commonly celebrated in countries where there is a Spanish-Speaking population or Spanish customs are observed. The celebrations focus on family members that have passed away. United States, Mexico, Brazil, Guatemala, Haiti, Bolivian and Ecuador each have a special and positive ceremony for honoring their dead.(2)

A Legacy NEVER Dies

The United States celebrate several days which are meant to honor the dead and those who have contributed to and served this Nation. Days such as Memorial Day, Veterans Day, President’s Day, Dr. Martin Luther King Day and 911. All countries have some celebration, ceremony or “Veneration of the dead”(3)

“Remembrance Day” which is similar to the US Veterans Day is celebrated in the UK, Canada, Oceania, Australia, Western Europe and South Africa. Germany has their Day of Commemoration of Heroes. Russians celebrate “The Defender of the Fatherland Day.” These celebrations are rooted in a belief we honor our ancestors. The word “ancestors” may sound lofty and given to people who lived hundreds or thousands of years ago, but the word ancestor means one who came before us. “a person from whom one is descended; forebear; progenitor.” (4)

Many countries have working laws against defaming the dead so why not the USA? This is not a new subject. In the USA such a law has been vigorously fought and lobbied against. (5)Even with the understanding that not all cases will fall under legislative guidelines; as defamation nor will all successors be willing or able to sue. Knowing defamation suits are hard fought and not easily won even for the living there is great resistance to passing this law to protect the legacy of the deceased.

Until the United States of America, a Nation which considers itself a world leader, is willing to step forward and lead by example then it says we only honor our dead in word, but not in deed.

The truth must be told and our history needs to reflect that, but there is no honor in slandering our dead.

Support the AdLLaw Initiative by contacting your U.S. House Senators and the President by letter or email. Non U.S. persons contact the President. Simply tell them you support the AdLLaw Initiative and would like for them to do the same. Then copy and paste this link to your letter or email.